Tag Archives: dreaming of holland

There are only a couple of weeks left in 2015 and I can’t help but wonder: where did the last 350 odd days go? Did I do too much Orange Twisting or did somebody push the fast forward button? Then I remembered that there was simply so much going on in the Dutch and international meetings industry this year that time quite literally flew by. So why don’t you join me on a little trip down memory lane 2015 and let’s reminisce together!

I visited Frankfurt, London, Las Vegas and Barcelona

IMEX Frankfurt, the Meetings Show UK in London, IMEX America in Las Vegas and IBTM World in Barcelona are regulars in my annual agenda. Yet these trade shows never seize to amaze me. The people I met, the Dreaming of Holland we did, the Happy Hours we celebrated and the Orange Twists we danced together made for some wonderful memories!

IMEX Frankfurt – Team Holland

IMEX Frankfurt – Fun times at the Holland stand

The Meetings Show UK – Team Holland

The Meetings Show UK – ‘say Dutch cheese!’

The Meetings Show UK – selfie time

IMEX America – Team Holland

IMEX America – IMEX run with Team Holland

IMEX America – doing the Orange Twist

IBTM World – Team Holland

IBTM World – Postillion Holland Happy Hour

IBTM World – Orange Twist

Holland celebrated King’s Day

2015 marked the first year that Holland celebrated King’s Day on a very special day: the King’s birthday! After celebrating Queen’s Day on April 30 for the last 123 years, King’s Day, also known as Holland’s biggest party, will now be celebrated on April 27.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at King’s Day

Le Tour de France grand départ in Utrecht

Holland hosted the grand départ of Le Tour de France for the sixth time in 2015; a record! This year Utrecht was elected to host the event. It was a celebration that lasted 100 days with a variety of smaller events leading up to the big event in the city.

And since Holland is the #1 bicycle country in the world it’s almost needless to say that Holland was head over (w)heels to be part of the world’s largest cycling event once again!

Tour de France Utrecht – cathedral

Tour de France Utrecht – miffy

Tour de France Utrecht – bird’s eye view

Launch of the Holland Site Selector

Finding the perfect location and suppliers for your business event can be a time- consuming endeavour. To help you out we developed an easy-to-use tool in 2015 that will send a tailor-made advice to your inbox in 4 easy steps: The Holland Site Selector!

Holland Site Selector

Have you tried it yet? If not, you should give it a try to see how easy and quick it is. I can promise you that you’ll get some valuable advice for your next meeting.

We did the Orange Twist together

I can still feel my feet from all the Orange Twisting we did at IMEX America and IBTM World this year. No one can deny that we twisted the floors in Las Vegas and Barcelona. And we’re not done yet! Are you ready for some more Orange Twisting at IMEX Frankfurt and the Meetings Show UK in 2016? Here’s my official Orange Twist video to help you practice (and to get you dreaming about Holland!):

Rotterdam was European City of 2015 & on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel List 2016

Holland has so many exciting cities, but in 2015 one city in particular took the spotlight on the international stage: Rotterdam! First Rotterdam was awarded ‘European city of 2015’ – here you can find out why.

And just recently, Rotterdam has been named one of the top cities to visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet. Very exciting news for the youngest and most modern of Holland’s main cities!

Veerhhaven Rotterdam – Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2016

New hotel & venue openings in Holland in 2015

Last but certainly not least, a great number of new hotels and venues opened in Holland in 2015. Here’s an overview for you. Have you visited any of them yet?

Do you remember Anne Ready who won the picture contest during #IMEX14? Well this March she collected her dream trip to Holland and of course I asked her all about it!

Was it your first time in Holland?
No it was my second time.This time it was completely different than the first time I came over.

You spend time in Amsterdam, The Hague, Noordwijk and Rotterdam. How did these cities differ from each other? They are all very different in style and atmosphere and each offer something completely different.

What was your favourite moment of the trip?
Awe that’s a difficult one – I think if I had to pick one it was our corner suite at the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin (plus I have a soft spot for Noordwijk).

Would you recommend Holland as a meeting destination?Yes definitely – easily accessible from outside of the Netherlands, fantastic public transport – efficient and modern and good size meeting venues and hotels.

What is your overall impression of Holland as a business destination?
I was very impressed and cannot recommend it enough to my clients (and have been). I already have received proposals from Beurs van Berlage & de Doelen.

Thank you for my most amazing weekend! Everyone was very welcoming, we were thoroughly spoilt and have some lovely memories – and all just because I got into bed with Mr Holland!!

People frequently ask me what I personally like about Holland. Is it the people, the weather, the diversity in cities? About time I share some things I really love about Holland, the things I dream about when I’m feeling a little homesick. #DreamingofHolland Here we go:

Dutch people really are open-minded. Wearing an orange suit to the supermarket? Why not! Dancing and singing in the middle of the street? Go for it! We don’t judge quickly and we’ve really seen it all.

The Netherlands isn’t known for having the best summers. But, the last few years, we’ve had some terrific long (indian) summers. My favourite part about it is how the Dutch all sit outside taking in all the vitamine D with the first rays of sunlight. Nobody minds the cold, just grab a blanket!

There is always something going on. A new festival, a cool band playing, a restaurant that is opening, an interesting exposition. Sometimes it feels you don’t have time enough to do it all. Great news for meeting planners who are looking for interesting incentives!

Holland is a multicultural country, and because of that we have the best of the best when it comes to food & drinks. You could eat 3 times a day in a restaurant during your trip and don’t have to eat something from the same kitchen region twice. How great is that?

The Dutch have great energy. They are always excited to be somewhere and will show it by joining the local festivities, take part in interactive situations or giving back the love by applauding. A great crowd for your event!

The list can go on forever! What do you really like about your country that feels unique to it?

Say goodbye to sleepless nights searching for perfect destinations. Holland has all the ingredients dreams are made of for professional event managers.

For a small northern European country, roughly the size of the American state of Delaware, the Netherlands is full of inspiration, style and international allure. With our world-renowned museums, state-of-the-art modern venues and our range of international cuisines we are a country for everyone’s flavour. Whatever kind of scenario you might be dreaming of, Holland can provide both the means and the expertise for you to design your perfect event.

ACCESSIBILITY
Are you seeking a location that’s both accessible and central, on a global scale? We’re easy to reach via Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport, one of the largest and most efficient airports in the world. High-speed rail lines connect us to a variety of European neighbouring countries, while cruise ships make frequent visits to the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

CULTURE
Holland’s culture is rich and diverse. Have your pick: the traditional Dutch Masters of painting or modern day recognisable simplified Dutch interior design. And don’t forget our influence to today’s dance music and fashion. Sail along traditional windmills or try some winter skating on natural ice. And once you work up an appetite, enjoy the taste of world-class, Michelin star restaurants across the country.

VENUES
While learning to control water coming from the sea and rivers, we’ve also learned a thing or two about constructing. Many of our 17th century architectural gems now boast every modern convenience you could ever desire. Still, architectural masterpieces such as our gleaming Eye Film Institute, the new jewel of Amsterdam’s harbour, continues to fascinate every visitor. From intimate countryside hotels, to metropolitan city meeting spaces and convention centres, we can cater every need. No problems – straight from your worst nightmare. Only tailor made, dream solutions.

COMPACT
We use our small size to our best advantage. We’re easy to get around via highways, rail lines and canals, since Holland is only 300 km in length and 200 km wide. This means the travelling distance from Amsterdam to Utrecht is only 30 minutes, Rotterdam 45 and Groningen, all the way in the north, still less than two hours. Because we are small, we have to think smart. Therefore, almost everyone speaks fluently English.

We’ll be at the Holland Meeting Point (Stand F30) at EIBTM Barcelona. We invite you to personally meet our friendly Dream Team of event planners to find out exactly why Holland is such a dreamy destination. On the stand you’ll find representatives from Regional Convention Bureaus, Destination Management Companies, Convention Centres, Hotel Chains, Individual Hotels, Special Venues and Travel Solutions. Myself, and the rest of the Dutch partners, look forward to meet you!

Wow, Las Vegas, you were amazing! Only one week ago we were meeting, singing, taking pictures in bed and having a great trade fair during IMEX Las Vegas. I hope that you all are fully recovered of the awesome and exciting days. Back home I am flicking through all the cool pictures, with old and new friends. Since you all contributed to this unique experience, I want to share my favourite memories with you. Here are my favourite pictures of IMEX Las Vegas 2014.

Don’t forget to tag & like your photo!Are you one of the hosted buyers, who took a picture in bed with me at the Holland booth? Then you should visit my Facebook Page to tag yourself in our picture and participate in my photo contest. Call your friends to collect as many ‘Likes’ as you can. If your photo has the most ‘Likes’ you win a dream trip to Holland visiting both Amsterdam and Noordwijk. #DreamingofHolland

According to Forbes event planner is one of the most stressful jobs in the world in 2014. According to the Dutch: it doesn’t have to be!

When is the last time you lay wide awake at night? Stressing about finding that perfect destination that has inspirational venues, style and easy access. Holland offers exactly what you dream of as a professional event manager:

Easy accessibility thanks to Amsterdam International Airport and small distances.

The average Dutch person speaks fluent English and is very punctual.

Let’s start #DreamingofHolland!

Win a dream trip to Holland during IMEX Las Vegas

At the Holland booth #2216 you’ll discover why Holland is your next dream destination. We will make sure your meeting is a succes, so your rest is assured too -collect your limited edition Holland head in the cloud neck cushion.. Have your dream picture taken at the Holland booth, share it on Facebook and collect as many likes as you can. It might win you a dream trip to Holland! See you at #IMEX14!

Feel free to contact Mr. Holland:

Your personal Holland Host | Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) | I’m here to help with all your questions about planning your meeting in Holland.
In Holland we like to do things just a little differently. We like to inspire. Refresh perspectives. To step off the beaten track. That’s why Holland is an ideal country for business events.
Holland may be small in size, but that also makes it a very compact country, offering more possibilities per square kilometre than you can find anywhere else in the world!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with all your questions. My friends and colleagues of the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions will help you to get the information you need. We will add some orange to your business events.